See ya' soon!

Charles Austin McCrann was 55 years old and lived in New York City with his wife Michelle and two children Derek and Maxine. His life tragically ended on September 11, 2001, in the World Trade Center building.

Charles McCrann died living his life with the freedom we all so cherish.

Charles was a Princeton University and Yale Law School grad, was senior vice-president of the Marsh & McLennan Companies financial-services conglomerate, who worked at the firm's World Trade Center offices. Despite his executive exterior, he was a film buff who made his own horror movie which was released theatrically as Bloodeaters (1980) and which, as 'Toxic Zombies', was televised twice according to a New York Times capsule bio following his tragic disappearance in the WTC collapse.

Jay Dooling, remembers this about his friend, Charlie.

A Past in the Movies.

Charles Austin McCrann was a levelheaded, respected executive, devoted to his wife, Michelle, and children, Derek and Maxine. But beneath his responsible exterior beat an auteur's heart. He loved film, whether the comedies of W. C. Fields or horror movies.

And so it was that Charlie, a graduate of Princeton University and Yale Law School, was also the writer, producer, director and star of "Toxic Zombies," a comic horror film that was shown twice on the USA cable network. The movie was made while Mr. McCrann was on hiatus in the late 1970's; its plot turned on a group of hippies who turn into those toxic zombies after a drunken crop-duster oversprays their marijuana field.

"Toxic Zombies" epitomized a sense of humor that even now makes Mrs. McCrann laugh out loud. Charlie McCrann would surprise someone taken in by his straight appearance with a funny duck walk as he left the room. He would tease her relentlessly, so that after an angry derelict spit on her once, he said, "You mean your Uncle Spitty did that to you

And this from his Princeton University class of 1968:

Charlie prepped at Lawrenceville School.

At Princeton, he majored in history, was an active member of Tower Club, Orange Key, Whig-Clio, and the Young Republicans, and roomed with Rick Ferris, Rich Huberman, and Steve Whelan.

After Yale Law School, Charlie joined the NYC law firm of LeBoeuf Lamb Greene & McCrae, specializing in insurance, corporate, and regulatory matters. He then became special counsel to the New York State Assembly Insurance Committee. In 1980, Charlie joined insurance conglomerate Marsh & McLennan, rising to senior vice president.

Colleagues noted how Charlie not only provided instant, documented answers to complex issues involving taxes or solvency regulations, but also was gifted in dealing with government officials.

Always possessed of a whimsical streak, Charlie would have said that the high point of his career was producing, directing, and (as Charles Austin) starring in the 1980 horror film Toxic Zombies. In truth, he was devoted to his wife of 22 years, Michelle, and their children, Derek and Maxine. To them and his many friends, the class extends its deepest sympathy.

The Class of 1968

Here are some of the many comments from friends and family members in memory of Charles.

September 4, 2002
Charlie,
Your devotion to Michelle, Derek and Maxine epitomizes all that is Eagles Mere. May your memory never fade but be a reminder to the rest of us that work is "merely" a means to an end, that end being to love, provide for, and instill hope in our children for them to carry on to generations after. See you on the mountain!
Leslie D. (Eagles Mere, PA )

June 24, 2002
I had the good fortune of being Charlie's niece. He was considerate, kind and valued his family above all else. Never one to forget a birthday, or a lunch date, I only wish I'd had more time. I love you Uncle Charlie, and I miss you everyday.
Mari McCrann (Hoboken, NJ )

May 7, 2002
May God Bless you and watch over the family and friends that you left behind on 9/11/01. Rest in his loving peace forever more.
Angie Campbell (Denton, TX )

April 24, 2006
I sit here on a rainy April night reading these kind words about my father, and it brings a smile to my face. I know Dad would have been truly touched by the fact that so many people cared enough to take some time out and post their feelings here. Thank you all very much.
Derek McCrann

December 2, 2002
Charlie was my uncle, lunch buddy, and one of the kinder people I've known. Over two years ago, he called me on my first day at work to see how I was faring. I fear nothing could have prepared him for what he received on the other end of the phone, but I certainly appreciated his listening to all my new job jitters; silly as they were, he was such a needed comfort. Never one to overlook anything, I only wish I'd had more time. Uncle Charlie, I miss you very much and I think of you everyday. Love always
Mari McCrann

Let us never forget him!

Rest in Peace Charles McCrann


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